How to Package your Goods

1. Why Proper Packaging Matters

1. Protection from External Damage
   • Adequate packaging shields items from external forces, such as vibration, stacking pressure, or weather.
2. Prevention of Internal Damage
   • Proper internal cushioning and restraint prevent items from shifting and breaking inside the box.
3. Safety and Handling
   • Poorly packed shipments can pose risks to drivers, handlers, and other freight. Couriers may refuse to pick up items not deemed Fit to Travel.
4. Efficiency
   • Properly packaged parcels move faster through courier networks, reducing the chance of delays, damages, or returns.

Note: Under Work Health and Safety legislation, the Heavy Vehicle National Law, and Chain of Responsibility obligations, all parties involved in the shipment (sender, packer, courier) must ensure the load is safe and secure.

2. General Packaging Guidelines

1. Choose the Right Box or Container
   • New or Undamaged: Use new cartons or those in excellent condition (no tears or crushed edges).
   • Correct Size: Avoid boxes too large (causing movement) or too small (risking bursting).
   • Internal Flaps: Cartons must have intact internal flaps for structural strength.
2. Secure the Contents
   • Fill empty space with protective materials (bubble wrap, foam peanuts, crumpled paper).
   • Reinforce corners and edges if necessary.
   • Ensure parcels weighing up to 30 kg can be handled safely; otherwise, use a pallet (see Section 5).
3. Seal and Label
   • Use strong packing tape (reinforced if possible) across all seams (top and bottom).
   • Clearly mark heavy or fragile shipments (e.g., “Fragile,” “This Way Up,” “Heavy”).
   • See Fast Courier’s Wrapping Your Item Guide for more.

Proper Box Sealing

• Key Points:
  1. Tape along the center seam.
  2. Reinforce additional edges if needed.
  3. Keep the box flaps fully closed and secure.

3. Specific Item Guidelines

3.1 Fragile Items (Glass, Ceramics, etc.)

• Bubble Wrap each item individually.
• Center each item in the box with protective cushioning around all sides.
• Clearly label the box “Fragile” or “Handle with Care.”

3.2 Liquids (Wine Bottles, Oils, etc.)

• Wrap bottles individually, use inserts or compartments to isolate them.
• Mark the box “Fragile - Liquid” or “This Way Up.”
• Consider leakproof liners or secondary containment for extra security.

3.3 Dangerous Goods (DG)

• Identify if items are DG using an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) or UN number.
• Declare DG shipments accurately, completing the necessary documentation (e.g., DG Declaration).
• Follow the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG 7.5) for labels, packaging, and transport requirements.
• Additional surcharges and pre-authorisation may apply for DG.

3.4 Lithium-Ion Batteries

• Classified under Class 9 - Miscellaneous DG.
• Must meet Section 2.9.4 of the ADG Code, ensuring proper packaging (prevent short circuits, damage) and labeling.
• Certain small batteries (≤20 Wh per cell or ≤100 Wh per pack) may be exempt under Special Provision 188 if packaged and labeled correctly.

4. Weight, Dimensions, and Pricing

1. Dead Weight vs Volumetric Weight
   • Couriers charge by the greater of dead weight (scale) or volumetric weight $(L\times W\times H)/divisor$.
   • Slight dimension changes can push you into a higher price bracket.
2. Price Brackets & Surcharges
   • Oversize Surcharge: Applies if dimensions exceed courier thresholds (length, girth, etc.).
   • Dangerous Goods Surcharge: For shipments containing DG.
   • Manual Handling Charge (MHC): For items incompatible with automated sorting (irregular shapes, tubes, cylinders, fragile, DG, heavy/light extremes, etc.).
3. Avoiding Unexpected Costs
   • Provide accurate measurements and weights when booking.
   • Pack items to standard shapes when possible.
   • Follow courier dimension limits (e.g., length <1200 mm, weight <30 kg per item unless palletized).

5. Palletising & Heavy Shipments

1. When to Palletise
   • Items weighing over 30 kg or with large/awkward shapes.
   • Palletizing protects shipments and speeds loading/unloading.
2. Securing Items on a Pallet
   • Use 2 horizontal + 2 vertical straps at minimum to keep items from shifting.
   • Straps must be suitably rated (see NTC Load Restraint Guide and AS 2400.13).
   • Stretch wrap and edge protectors are highly recommended to stabilize the load.
3. Examples & Special Cases
   • Engines & Engine Components: Drain all fluids; strap or crate for stability.
   • Tyres: Lay sideways on a pallet, wrap fully including the base, then strap.
   • Drums: Place on a pallet with edge protectors and spacing between drums, secure with straps.
   • White Goods: Cover with cardboard/bubble wrap, position on pallet, and secure with straps.

6. Manual Handling Charge (MHC)

1. Reason for MHC
   • Incompatible with automated sorting due to dimensions, weight, irregular shape, or content (e.g., fragile liquids).
   • Specific size triggers: length <200 mm or >1200 mm, width <100 mm or >600 mm, height <15 mm or >800 mm, or weight <250 g or >30 kg.
2. How to Avoid MHC
   • Keep packages within standard dimensions.
   • Pack irregular items into more uniform shapes.
   • Label everything properly and ensure no exposed edges or instability.

7. Returns, Refusals, & Liability

1. Driver Discretion
   • Couriers may refuse pickup if packaging is clearly inadequate or unsafe.
2. Return to Sender (RTS)
   • If deemed unfit for travel during transit, items may be returned to the sender, incurring extra fees.
3. Refunds & Claims
   • Surcharges, MHC, or returns often lead to unexpected costs.
   • Refund requests are evaluated case by case by the carrier after RTS.
4. Legal Responsibilities
   • Shipments must comply with Heavy Vehicle National laws, Chain of Responsibility, NTC Load Restraint Guide, Work Health and Safety legislation, and the ADG Code.
   • Penalties can apply to any party in the supply chain (not just the carrier).

8. Additional Resources & References

1. Fast Courier Packaging Guides
   • Wrapping Your Item in Carton for Secure Shipping
2. TNT/FedEx Guidelines
   • TNT “How to Pack”
3. Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code
   • National Transport Commission (Check latest edition 7.5)
4. NTC Load Restraint Guide
   • Provides in-depth instructions on securing loads with straps, coverings, etc.
5. AS 2400.13 Packaging - Tensional Strapping
   • Australian Standard covering strapping methods and ratings.
6. Terms & Conditions of Transit
   • Always review your carrier’s current T&Cs for surcharge rules, liability limitations, and claims procedures.

9. Summary & Best Practices

1. Identify your item type (regular, fragile, liquid, hazardous, lithium battery, heavy/oversized).
2. Protect your goods with adequate internal and external packaging.
3. Palletise heavy or oversized items and strap them appropriately.
4. Label clearly (fragile, heavy, orientation, etc.) and declare DG when necessary.
5. Measure & Weigh accurately to avoid unexpected surcharges.
6. Comply with Australian regulations (HVNL, CoR, ADG, WHS) for safe and legal transport.

By following these steps, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of damage, delay, or additional fees—ensuring your shipments reach their destinations Fit to Travel.

Need More Help?

Contact Fast Courier Customer Service:

• Email: hello@fastcourier.com.au

We’re here to help you navigate every step of the shipping process, from packaging and labeling to understanding surcharges and legal requirements.

Happy Shipping!